Lagos State Chapter of National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has urged parents and guardians to beware of paedophiles as the lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 continues across the country.
Comrade Adeola Ekine, the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Lagos State Chapter, who gave the warning in a statement issued on Monday, noted that it is important to keep sensitising mothers to be vigilant and proactive to the dangers the children, especially girls, could be exposed to during this lockdown period so that paedophiles do not prey on them.
She implored parents and guardians to teach their children, especially the girl child, the importance of their bodies and educating them about sex from age five or six, while advocating for gender equality, the safety of the girl child as well as improvement in the health and rights of women,
According to her “As female journalists in Lagos State we will continue to advocate for non-discrimination of the girl child, the right to survival, development of potential and protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation, as well as full participation in family, cultural and social life”.
The Chairperson stated that the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to the shutdown of schools, offices, markets and other public places, has inadvertently made children vulnerable to negative influences if not given the attention they require.
While commending efforts of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, for the recent arrest of two people over allegedly defiling minors, aged nine and 13-years old, she advised mothers not to let their wards out of their sights and avoid keeping their children with neighbours, friends and relatives.
Ekine stressed the need for mothers to remain close to their children and be their confidants saying, “as mothers, it is our duty to protect our children from predators, teach them to recognise inappropriate behaviours around them because most paedophiles are known to the children”.
The NAWOJ Chair reiterated that COVID-19 has no vaccine, as such everyone must stay safe by strictly following the simple but very important tips of regular hand washing, social distancing and embracing good hygiene in the home front because prevention is always better and cheaper than cure.
AE/TMS/OS
